Electron tube



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ELECTRON TUBE Filed Aug. 19, 1943 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 Patented July 12, '1949 i' Eo GFF ELECTRON TUBE Application August 19, 1943, Serial No. 499,260

6 Claims.

My invention relates broadly to electron tubes and more particularly to a deection type of secondary electron emission tube for Wide application in the electronic industry.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a construction of deflection type secondary electron emission tube having associated input and output circuits wherein substantially complete isolation of the input from the output circuit is effected.

Another object of my invention is to provide a construction of deflection type secondary electron emission tube having extremely low capacitance across the input circuit for adapting the tube for operation at relatively nigh frequencies.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a construction of high power deflection type secondary emission tube having provision for voltage amplification proportional to the length of the electron beam path within the tube.

A further object of my invention is to provide a construction of deiiection type secondary electron emission tube having low internal resistance and operative at high input impedances to obtain relatively large power output with substantially complete isolation of the output circuit with respect to the input circuit.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of electron multiplier system within a deilection type secondary electron emission tube with substantially complete isolation of the input and output circuits.

Another object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of deiiection type tube employing secondary electron emission in which the output end of the tube may be applied to various forms of work circuits and remotely controlled from the input end of the tube with substantially complete isolation between the input and output circuits ci the tube.

Other and further objects of my invention reside in the construction and arrangement of the elements of deflection type secondary electron emission tubes as set forth more fully in the specification hereinafter following by reference' to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional and side elevational view of a deection type secondary electron emission tube embodying the principles of my invention; Fig. 2 shows the elements of the tube of Fig. 1 in pian arrangement looking down upon the tube of Fig. 1 with the envelope of the tube broken away and illustrated in section to more clearly show the elements therein; Fig. 3

of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view on line 4-4 of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view on line 5--5 of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 1; Fig. 'l is a transverse sectional view through the electron emitting electrode taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the electron emitting electrode with parts broken away and shown in section; Fig. 9 is a schematic View of a modied arrangement of deection type secondary electron emission tube embodying my invention; Fig. 10 is a schematic View of a further modied form of deflection type secondary electron emission tube embodying my invention; Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional View taken on line I l--Il of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 shows a modied arrangement of the plates which may be employed in lieu of the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 11; Fig. 13 illustrates a further modified form of deiiection type secondary electron emission tube embodying my invention; Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view on line Ill-I 4 of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a sectional View taken on line l5-l5 of Fig. 13; Fig. 16 shows an alternate arrangement of electrodes as compared to the arrangement of electrodes shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 17 is a sectional View showing the arrangement of electrodes in the alternate form shown in Fig. 16; Fig. 18 shows a further modied form of the tube structure of my invention in which certain of the plate electrodes are substantially elliptical in section for reduction in the electrode edge veffects and erratic electron discharges; Fig. 19 is a plan view of the tube illustrated in Fig. 18; Fig. 20 shows an application oi the tube of my invention to an amplification system; Fig. 21 illustrates a form of coupling circuit for establishing connection with the elements of the tube of my invention; Fig. 22 illustrates the manner in which the tube of my invention may be associatedy in circuit with conventional electron tubes; Fig. 23 is a sectional View of the electron tube structure of my invention with an associated electron multiplier system; Fig. 24 is a schematic view illustrating the electron multiplier portion of the tube of my invention; Fig. 25 is a transverse sectional View taken online 25--25 of Fig. 23; Fig. 26 shows an application oi the deiieetion type secondary electron emission tube of my invention to a positive or negative regenerative circuit; Fig. 27 illustrates a modiiied form of regenerative circuit which may be employed with the tube of my invention; Fig. 28 illustrates an application of the tube of my invention to an amplincation system of the regenerative type; Fig. 29 is a fragmentary is a transverse sectional view taken on line '3--3 55 vieu/showing an arrangement of magnetic coritrol which may be employed in the regenerative system illustrated in Fig. 28; Fig. 30 illustrates a modified construction of tube embodying my invention and in which a change in focus of an electronic beam is employed under control of the input circuit for producing changes in the output circuit; Fig. 3l is a transverse sectional View on line 3I--3I of Fig. 30; Fig. 32 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 32-32 of Fig. 30; Fig. 33 shows a modied form of tube embodying my invention in which additional grids are utilized for eiectively controlling both the deflection of the beam and the quantity of the electrons in the beam; Fig. 34 is a View taken on line 34--34 of Fig. 33 and illustrating the secondary emission electrodes in plan view; Figs. 35 and 36 (Fig. 36 taken on line 36-35 of Fig. 35) illustrate a further modified form of my invention; Figs. 37-39 (Fig. 39 taken on line 39-39 of Fig. 37) illustrate still another modified form of my invention; Figs. l0-42i show a form of my invention employing magnetic control of the electron beam (Fig. 4l taken on line tI- 4I and Fig. 42 taken on line 42-42 of Fig. 40) Fig. 43 shows a direct current amplification system embodying my invention; and Fig. 44 shows a direct current magnetically controlled regenerative direct current amplification system embodying my invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character I designates the envelope of the tube provided with terminal members at opposite ends of the tube indicated generally at 2 and 3. The electron beam generator is illustrated as including the electron emitter represented generally at Il, the beam forming plates being shown at 5 and S and the deecting plates indicated generally at l and 8. These several elements are suitably supported by Wire members extending through the end of the tube and supported in the glass press it. The secondary electron emission plates are represented at 9 and I0 and illustrated more clearly in Fig. 3. These secondary electron emission plates are triangular in shape and are separated edge to edge by a diagonal gap represented at Il. Auxiliary plates I2 and I4 are arranged adjacent the secondary electron emission plates s and I and spaced therefrom by narrow gaps represented at I and I6. The wire mebmers 9a, lila., I2a and I4a which support the secondary electron emission plates S and I0 and the auxiliary plates I2 and Ie are suitably spaced by an insulation member formed from mica or other suitable material and represented at I'I. The Wire members 9a, Illa, I2a, and I 4a supporting the secondary electron emission plates 9 and I0 and auxiliary plates I2 and I4 extend outwardly from the glass press represented at I8 and through the flat plate of insulation material represented at II to the plates 9 and I0 and auxiliary plates I2 and III. The plate of insulation material I'I extends in spaced substantially parallel relation to the plane of the coplanar secondary emission plates 8 and I0 and auxiliary plates I2 and I4. A structurally rigid assembly is thus provided by the spaced Wire members 9a, Illa, I2a and Illa, which extend through the plate of insulation material I'I, substantially normal to the plane thereof for a substantial distance on either side of the plane of the plate and are then spread to spaced positions for attachment to the plates 9 and I0 and auxiliary plates I2 and I4 for forming a structurally rigid assembly thereof spaced by narrow gaps II, I5 and I6 as heretofore explained. The plate of insulation material I'I is substantially of circular contour and of such dimension that the diameter thereof is less than the shortest dimension of the plate system. The plate II is of such size that the limits of its dimensions fall substantially within the area covered by the associated triangularshaped plates.

The electron beam from the emitter d is shaped into rectangular cross section as it passes through the slot I9 in the cylindrical member 2@ which surrounds the emitter 4 and though the slots 2i and 22 in the beam forming plates 5 and t, respectively. Tha beam of rectangular cross section strikes the diagonal plates 9 and le. These plates are coated with electron emitting material and emit secondary electrons to the auxiliary plates I2 and I4. The external circuits are represented schematically in Fig. 3 as including connections to one of the secondary emitting plates 9 and to one of the auxiliary plates I2 with resistors 23 and 24, shown schematically in circuit.

In Fig. 9 in which I have illustrated a similar plate system, I have shown the circuit in more detail including resistors 24 and 25 connected to secondary electron emitting plates e and Ii), respectively and connected to the output system. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the current through the output resistances 2li and 25 is the difference between the secondary electron current and the current in the direct electron beam. This results in a large current as the secondary electrons are many times larger than the primary electrons in the beam. 'Ihe greater the current, the greater are the voltages across the resistances.

In Fig. 8 I have shown the details of construction of the emitter from which it will be seen that the heating element 26 extends horizontally through the tubular support of insulation niaterial represented at 2l. The tubular support 2l provides a mounting means for the electron emitter which is wound as a spiral Wire or ribbon 23 over the tubular member 21. The emitter 2t is confined in position by cylindrical member 2t which is slotted at I9 for the emission of electrons in a substantially rectangular beam. The electron emitting system is compactly mounted in position by means of annular ring members 29 and Sil which embrace opposite ends of the tubular members 21 and 2Il with the electron emitting element 28 disposed therebetween. rIhis arrangement of emitting element facilitates replacement of the emitter in the event of rebuilding the tube.

In Fig. 9 I have illustrated a modification of the electron generator portion of the tube wherein the beam forming plates entirely surround the emitter with slots in the beam forming plates registering one with the other for shaping the rectangular electronic beam. That is to say, the beam forming plates are shown at 3l, 32 and 33, each including transversely extending slots indicated at 3 I'a, 32a and 33a. A rectangular narrow beam is thus projected between the deflection plates 'I and 8 to bombard the secondary emission plate system Q-I for secondary emission to auxiliary plate system I2I4 as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

In Fig. 3 I have indicated by dotted lines te and Ia the instantaneous area ofthe plates i3 and III respectively, that are swept by the rectangular shaped electron beam.

It will be observed that a steady potential is maintained between the cathode and the beam forming plate 3l as represented at 34. The positive terminal of the direct current source 34 connects to the cathode 28 While the negative terminal of direct current source 34 connects to beam vforming plate 3|. A direct current source 35 is provided with its negative terminal connected to beam forming plate 3| and its positive terminal connected to beam forming plate A32. A direct current source 35 is provided with its negative terminal connected to beam forming plate 32 and its positive terminal connected to beam forming plate The circuit is completed from the positive terminal of direct current source 3B to the auxiliary plates l2 and ld connected together and connected to the positive terminal of direct current source 3l, the negative terminal of which connects 'to the positive terminal of direct current source 35. lThe circuit is completed `from resistors 213 and 25 which respectively connect with secondary emission plates 9 and l0 through conductor 3S to the positive terminal of direct current source 39, the negative terminal of which connects to the rst of the beam forming plates 3|. The input circuit of the tube connects to terminals d5 while the output circuit for the tube connects to terminals dl'.

In lieu of the arrangement of output plates illustrated in Figs. l, '2, 3 and 9, I may employ an arrangement of plates as illustrated in Figs. l and 11 where the secondary electron emission plates are rectangular in shape but are off-set from each other in `a vertical plane and specially related with respect to each other as represented at 42 and d3. The secondary emission plates are separated by a gap fili. The auxiliary plates which receive secondary electrons from the secondary electron emission plates 'd2 vand 43 are 'represented at :l and d5 specially and angularly related to plates l2 and i3 but arranged to 'receive secondary electrons from plates d2 and 11.3. The arrangement shown is schematic but illustrates the principles of my invention wherein secondary electron emitting plates l2 and 43 are scanned by the electron beam under control Aoi denection plates l and 8 'connected to input circuit de for discharge of secondary electrons to auxiliary plates d5 and d5 in -a manner similar to the principles of ope-ration of auxiliary plates i2 `and ifi -described in connection with Figs. 1, 3 and 8. Auxiliary plates 155 and 45 shown in Figs. 10 and 1l are arranged at an angle tothe longitudinal axis of the tube. The Aoutput current controlled by the secondary emission current is supplied to output circuit il Thearra'ngement'of the auxillary plates 45 and i6 and the secondary electron emitting plates '52 Iand `43 is more clearly represented in Fig. 1l.

In lieu of thearrangement of rectangular plates shown in Figs. 10 and 11,'1 may `employ a pair of triangular shaped secondary -ele'ctron emitting plates shown -at l? and -48 in overlapped spacially related arrangement as shown in Fig. 12. Auxiliary plates 49 and 50 are arranged in overlapping but spacially related positions with respect to the secondary electron emitting plates 41 and 43 and disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the tube like plates 4'5 and 4B shown in Figs. 10 and l1. The circuit connections are the same as those illustra-ted in Figs. 9 and 10.

In Fig. 13 I have yillustrated an arrangement of electron beam tube having a 'plate `system with variable secondary emission characteristic. The plate system includes a triangular shaped plate member `5| tapering from a straight edge portion to an apex portion 51a. The surface of 'plate member 5| is covered with secondary electron emissive material and the electron beam emanating from the electron generator effects a 'release Of Asecondary electrons which are collected by arr- 6 gularly disposed auxiliary plates 52 and 53. An output circuit is completed between the auxiliary secondary electron collecting plates 52 and 53 and the triangular plate member 5| including potential source 58 and output resistance 59. Behind the triangular shaped plate member 5I, I arrange the rectangular shaped grid electrode 5t and in spacial relation thereto I provide plate 55. The plate 55 is electrically connected with the triangular shaped plate member 5|. A connection is completed between triangular shaped plate member 5| and the grid electrode 5d through the potential source 51. The horizontal electron beam which emanates from the electron generator is as wide as4 the upper edge portion of the triangular shaped plate member 5| as represented at 5|b and as the input across deflecting plates l and 8 is changed, the beam deflects vertically in a downward direction scanning the narrowing surface of the rectangular plate member 5| accompanied by the release of a smaller number of secondary electrons which travel to aux-- iliary electrodes 52 and 53. As the electron beam is deflected upwardly due to increased voltage on the input plates l and 8 the secondary electrons released from the surface of triangular shaped plate 5| increases from a very small amount adjacent the apex 51a in its lower posi tion to a maximum amount adjacent `the upper position approaching the edge portion 5|b of the triangular shaped plate 5|. The secondary electrons which are emitted from triangular shaped plate 5| vary from 10 to 100 times that of the primary beam but are directly proportional to the amount of the beam striking this plate.

Plate 5| acts as an emitter, vthe amount of emission being controlled by the input on the deflection plates and 8. This emission will cause a current in the circuit including the battery 58 and the load resistance V519. This 4arrangement therefore becomes a two-electrode tube in which the plate member 5| serves asa cathode and the collecting plates 52 and 53 serve as anodes. The emission of this two element arrangement is controlled by the distant deflection plates 'i and 8 through the medium of :the electron beam. That part of the electron beam that does not strike the triangular shaped plate element 5| will ypass through the grid electrode '54 and strike plate electrode 55 which vis spacially related to 'grid electrode 54. The secondary electron emission from plate electrode 55 is prevented from reaching auxiliary plates 52 and 53 by ythe 4negati-ve potential impressed upon grid electrode 54 from potential source 5l. In order vto further reduce the possibility of secondary .electrons discharging from plate electrode 55 .and being collected :by auxiliary electrodes v52 and 53., the `lplate 55 is constructed from a material which does not readily emit secondary electrons while plate member 5| is coated for the particular purpose of producing high secondary electron .emission properties.

Fig. 15 is a plan View showing the arrangement of the electrodes illustrated-in Figs. 13 and 14. An alternate arrangement of electrodes may be provided as shown in Figs. 416 and 17 'wherein'th'e plate member 55 constituting the target vfor the electron beam -has a triangular shaped `central cut-out portion through which the electron beam Vis propagated. Thus a pair -of vtriangular shaped surfaces are provided -for the plate member '56, each of which are coated 'with seconda-ry electron emissi-ve material. 'This arrangement enables secondary electrons to f'be more readily released from plate member 55 and reach auxiliary plates 52 and 53. The grid electrode 54 and plate electrode 55 are arranged as before in spacial relation to plate member 56. The tendency for electrons to leave plate electrode 55 is less because of its great distance and shielding by plate member 56 while the field drawing electrons from plate member 55 is increased by this arrangement. Fig. 17 shows the arrangement of the output resistance 59 in such position that connections may readily be made thereto to a succeeding threeelectrode electron tube or further electron beam tube stage.

In Figs. 18 and 19, I have shown a modied arrangement of electron beam tube having a special arrangement of auxiliary plate system for collecting the secondary emission. The a iliary plate system is formed and shaped to eliminate sharp edges wherever a concentration of iield strength exists. By shaping the auxiliary plates in elliptical section and providing coacting pairs of plates as represented at lil, 52, 63 and 64, the eld strength around the plate system is rendered uniform and excessive concentrations of eld strength are eliminated. As a further precautionary measure for reducing edge effects and erratic electron discharges, the plate member l is rounded at its edges. The auxiliary plates 63 and Gli also serve to shield the electron beam from any possible transverse eld across collector plates @l and 62. This form of tube is highly practical for use in all of the various circuit arrangements heretofore employing conventional control grid tubes with the added advantage that reactionary eiects between the control system and the output circuit are substantially eliminated. For example, the electron beam tube of my invention such as represented in Figs. 18 and 19 is applicable to the entire iield of elecronics including all forms o ampliers represented for example, in Figs. 20, 2l and 22.

In Fig. the input circuit Gil leading to deflecting plates l and 8 may connect to any circuit upon which feeble currents are impressed for purposes of amplication. Current at increased ampltitude corresponding in wave form to the impressed current is delivered from the plate system lil- 62 through battery 58 to the primary winding 65 of transformer 6@ to the secondary output winding 6l leading to output circuit 66. The output circuit 58 may connect to a succeeding stage of deflection type tube or a grid controlled tube.

The electron beam tube of my invention is accordingly applicable to rcgenerators, oscillators, feed-back circuits, reverse feed-back circuits, D. C.-A. C. amplification systems and various forms of frequency multipliers or frequency division systems. The outstanding advantage of the electron beam tube of my invention is complete isolation of the input circuit from the output -circuit to meet such conditions, for example, as low power input, high voltage amplication, high sensitivity operation or operation at high frequency. This isolation feature permits large voltages on the output with no possibility of the output voltages aiecting the input; extremely 10W impedance not possible in the conventional grid controlled tube; and sensitivity even with large output currents.

The lelectron stream has input forces applied at right angles to its path rather than directly in it as is the case in a grid controlled tube. There is less influence of the stream on the input producing these forces. The feature -of this input causing the control of the emission in a remote set of elements gives the tube of my invention a fundamental advantage in the art.

In Fig, 21 I have shown an arrangement ol capacitance resistance coupling which may be substituted for the transformer coupling illustrated in Fig. 20 in the output circuit of the electron beam tube system. Coupling resistor 69 arranged ln the output circuit of the electron beam tube is capacitively coupled with coupling resistor lo for connection to the next succeeding utilization stage through coupling capacitors 'll and 12. The coupling resistance 10 may connect to the input circuit of a succeeding deilection type tube or to a conventional electron tube stage of the grid control type.

Fig. 22 shows the application of the electron beam tube system of my invention to a direct current ampli-cation system in which the output circuit of the electron beam tube including potential source 58 and output resistor il@ connects to the input circuit of a direct current amplifier comprising tube 73. Tube I3 includes cathode 13a, control grid 731) and anode 13o arranged as shown. The cathode is supplied with power from battery system 14 through resistors 'l5 and 15. The output resistance 59 in series with potential source 58 in the output circuit of the electro-n beam tube connects to control grid 13b and -cathode 13a through resistance 16. The output circuit of tube 'i3 connects from anode 13o through resistance 'Il and to the potential source Hl as shown. Various modiiications of the arrangement for coupling the output of the electron beam tube with the input of a grid control tube may also be employed.

In Fig. 23 I have shown my invention applied to an electron multiplier type of tube. In this arrangement the secondary emission plate system is formed by a plate-like envelope 78 folded upon itself with the front and rear portions of the envelope spaced from each other for enclosing the grid element Bil therein. The secondary eleotron emitting portions of the plate system 18 are represented at 19, having a V-shaped cutout therein for controlling the secondary electron emission as the area of the plate is swept by the electron beam. The portions 'i9 of the plate meet at the apex portion 19a, of the V-shaped cutout. The grid 8U is shown disposed behind the portions 19 of the plate system. In order to effectively direct the secondary electron emission from portions H9 of the plate system, I arrange shields 19h and E9e adjacent the peripheral edges 0f the plate system in a position for shielding electronic discharge in the direction of any of the multiplier plates other than the sets of multiplier plates 8l and 8l. A plurality of multiplier plates are arranged in the trajectory of secondary electrons iaritially discharged from multiplier plates 8| and I have shown more clearly in Fig. 24 the plurality of multiplier plates at 82, 83, 34, 85, 86 and 81, with complementary plates arranged at 82',

- 83', 84', 85', 8E and 8l for receiving a secondary electron emission from each of the successive plates of the series. The secondary emission emitted from one plate is directed to a succeeding plate as indicated by the arrows and will not pass to any other plate; that is, each plate although it is a secondary electron emitting plate also acts as a shield for the projection of electrons along the proj ectory indicated by the arrows. The circuits for the several multiplier plates are shown in Fig. 23 wherein the pairs of complementary plates are interconnected and biased at diiering positive potentials obtained from potential source 58 shunted by potentiometer 88 having taps distributed thereon, as shown. That is, sets of plates 8i-S| are connected to tap 88a; sets 0f plates 82 and 82 are connected to tap 88o; sets of plates S3 and 83 are connected to tap 88e; sets of plates 8d and 85 are connected to tap 88d; sets of plates 85 and 85 are connected to tap 88e; sets of plates 86 and 8S are connected to tap 88j; while sets of plates 81 and 81 connect to the output for delivering the multiplied output cur-- rent. The progressive positive potentials which are applied to the plates 8I-81 and S|'81, respectively, are such that there is a continued tendency for the secondary emission from the successive plates to travel in the paths indicated to the nal output plates 81 and 81 for multiplying at each plate the iinal multiplied current from 81 and 81 delivered to the output circuit iii. Each of the surfaces of the multiplier plates are coated with secondary electron emitting material except plates 81 and 81' to insure the maintenance of high secondary electron emitting properties.

While Various secondary electron emitting materials may be employed, I desire to designate particularly the use of caesiuimactivated berylhum-beryllium oxide, and rubidium-activated sil ver-silver oxide. rEhe means for generating the electron stream or beam are similar to that illustrated in connection with Figs. 9 and 13, and for purposes of designating the electron beam generator, I haveindicated the assembly at G. The nat-ribbon like electron beam emitted by G is controlled in position by deflecting plates 'i and S in accordance with the control currents applied at input circuit d@ and sweeps the secondary electren emitting triangular shaped plates 19. The secondary electrons released from the triangular shaped plates 19 strike plates 8| and 8l' along paths designated by the arrows in Fig. 24 but are prevented from striking the successive multiplier plates by shields 1913 and 19e, and by the shielding effect between rear surfaces of each i the plates except along the discharge paths ated by the arrows in Fig. 24. The operaon of the secondary electron multiplier is as follows: The current is increased at each successive plate in the ratio of the secondary emission to the electrons striking it. The iinal plates 81- 81 not composed of secondary electron emitmaterial. Therefore, the current due to all the electrons striking the plates is passed on from .iese plates into the output resistance 59. By this means, the output is amplified approximately by the product of the number of secondary emitting plates and the ratio of the secondary emission plates and the ratio of the secondary emission to primary electrons.

In Fig. 26 I have shown the principles of my invention applied to both positive and negative feedback systems. The input circuit 4U connects across an adjustable resistance 89 connected in series with a feedback regulating resistance 90, both of which are connected to the deiiecting plates 1 and 6, as shown. The generator of electrons is designated generally at G.

circuit which includes the anode system Siis similar to that explained in connection with and I3, etc., except that a connection is taken from the anode system through a conductor to an intermediate position between adjustable resistors 89 and 90. By adjusting the relative values oi resistors 819 .and .99 and also the value of the output resistor 55, which in this instance is shown as adjustable, the amount of feedback can be regulated to any desired quantity. By reversing the terminals shown on the diagram, the positive feedback can be changed to negative feedback. Because the battery supplies ii, 51 and 58 are reversible in the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 26, I have not restricted the polarities in the illustration.

In Fig. 2'1 I have schematically shown the sub.- stitution of a magnetic control in the input circuit for the electrostatic control illustrated in 18. I have indicated a pair of magnetic coils Si and S2 connected in place of input 1-8 and connected in series by conductor 93 for influencing the electron beam generated by beam generator shown. The output circuit is designated sche matically at` 4l associated with the tube in a manner similar to that explained in connection with Fig. 26.

It will be understood that similar forms of mag-- netic control may be employed with the electron multiplier type of tube illustrated in Figs. 233-25 and that in all cases the advantageous features of) the tubes illustrated in the different gures may be combined to produce the most advantageous results in the electron beam tube.

In Fig. 28 I have shown the electron beam 'tube of my invention applied to a transformer type of the generator circuit by which either feedback or oscillations can be produced. The input circuit to the tube of Fig. 28 connects to deflecting electrodes 1-8 for controlling the scanning of the anode system til-55 under the influence of deecting plates 1-8. The circuit across deiiecting plates 1 8 is tuned by adjustable condenser 99 connected in the circuit leading to coupling coil `98 in series with adjustable resistance lill). The coupling coil 98 is adjustably coupled with inductive Winding 91 disposed in the output circuit of the secondary electron emitting plate 5|, which also includes primary winding 95 of coupling transformer 94 in series with inductive winding 91 and potential source 58 and anode systems 6 l--62. he coupling transformer 94 has the secondary winding 196 thereof coupled to primary Winding 95 and connected to the output circuit lll. Output circuit ill may connect to any succeeding amplifier or utilization circuit including a deflection tube stage. The condenser 919 in the input circuit permits tuning to selected frequencies and the adjustable resistance |00 permits the control of the phase of the feedback current until synchronism of the movement of the deflection beam and the frequency of the feedback current is obtained. The amount of coupling between 91 and 98 may be changed and by controlling the tuning through condenser 99 and the phase `of the circuit through adjustable resistance |00, the regenerative properties of the circuit may be so adjusted that the tube will commence self-oscillation.

The same type of circuit, although shown as a radio frequency regenerative and oscillator circuit, can also be used in the audio and ultrahigh frequency ranges. The low capacitance of the input Will allow this application to extremely high frequencies. Although this is shown just as an inductively coupled regenerative or oscillating circuit, it is not intended to be limited to that. It can also be adapted to capacitance coupled regenerative and oscillating circuits.

In lieu of the electrostatic controlled method by deflection plates '1 -8, I may employ a magnetic control system, as illustrated in Fig. 29

wherein the input circuit 40 connects to magnetic control windings 9| and 92 associated with the electron beam. The regenerative circuit associated with the anode system ESI-02 which I have represented at |03, including tuning con denser 90, connects to regenerative coupling coils shown at and |02 arranged in coupled relation to the coils 9| and 92 for establishing a magnetic feedback between the several windings. Regenerative and oscillating currents are thus established. The electron beam generation arrangement may be of the same type as heretofore explained and shown schematically in Fig. 29.

In Figs. -32 I have shown the system of my invention applied to an electron beam amplifier tube. I have termed this an electron beam amplier tube rather than a deflection tube because in this arrangement I provide an electron beam generator of the electron gun type schematically represented at |04, which propagates an electron beam of circular section through the apertured electrodes |05 and |06. Apertures are indicated at |0501 and |0511. The apertured electrodes |05 and |05 are curved as shown, and are connected to the input circuit and serve as focusing electrodes for the electron beam propagated from electron gun |04. As the current changes in the input circuit 40, the beam is caused to change from an accurate focus to an out of focus condition. disc-like secondary electron emitting plate member |08, centrally apertured at |08a. The disciike secondary electron emitting plate |08 is surrounded by a toroidal shaped hooded collecting electrode |09, shaped as indicated. The electrode |09 also encloses grid electrode 54 and is spacially related to plate electrode 55. The electron beam striking plate electrode when drawn over against disc-like secondary electrode |00 causes the emission of secondary electrons that are drawn over to the toroidal shaped hooded electrode |09. The original beam is circular in cross section as it is formed and it is propagated from electron gun |00 and passes through the apertures |0511 and |0511 in focusing electrodes |05 and |06 and through apertures |0811 and electrode |08.

The potential on the two input plates |05 and |00 allows the beam to focus exactly in the center of the plate |08 and, therefore, passes through the aperture |0811 in platel and strikes plate elec` trode 55. Any secondary electrons which would be emitted remain there because grid 54 is held at a negative potential by battery 51. As the input increases the beam of electrons is thrown out of focus by the voltage on the two circular spherical shaped plates |05 and |06. This changes the focus of the beam so that it now does not focus in the aperture |0811 in the plate |08 but is spread out as it strikes plate |08. The

extent of this spreading out is controlled by the y;

input potentials on plates |05 and |05. In this way a similar result is obtained as with the defiec tion method, although I do not limit my invention to deflection and can use any means by which a change in emission from plate |08 can be secured j.

to the output circuit. Accordingly it will be understood that my invention is not restricted to a rectangular cross section beam but is equally applicable to a circular section beam.

In Figs. 33 and 34, I have shown an arrangement of deflection type tube in which a control grid |01 is introduced in the electron beam generator assembly and connected to a separate control circuit including the input resistance ||0 and the source of potential In this arrange- The electron beam is directed toward theI ment of electron beam tube a second input circuit may be connected at ||2 for control of the electron beam tube at ||2 rather than across the deection plates 'l and t. The anode system is connected in the same manner as heretofore described. The amount of electrons in the electron beam may thus be changed by slight changes in the input circuit connected to input terminals H2. The electron beam tube may thus be controlled by either varying the deilection of the electron beam or controlling the quantity of electrons in the beam. This allows this type of tube to be used in a modulating circuit where either input ||2 or 00 can be used as the higher frequei-icy and the other as a modulating frequency.

It is desired to have the output of the tube be a function of the product of two quantities. The output of this circuit which is aiected from the emission of the output emitting element 3| which is actually its cathode is governed by the total amount of electrons striking the cathode. The amount of electrons striking this plate will be controlled by the total amount of electrons of the beam that is, density of beam, controlled by grid input H2, and the amount of the cross section of the beam that strikes the plate 5 |-55 which is controlled by input 40, that is the deflection plates -il. Therefore, the secondary electron emission will be proportional to the product of both voltages on input I2 and input 40. This in turn will cause a voltage across the output resistance 50 to be proportional to this same product.

I have designated the two inputs as input and input 2 to show that either or both may be used in accordance with the requirements oi the circuit.

In Figs. 35 and 36 I have shown my invention applied to an electron beam tube in which an electron beam of circular section emanating from electron gun |00 may pass through an enlarged aperture H5 in the disc-like secondary electron emitting plate H0 and be displaced under control of deflection plates 1 8 to strike the annular face of plate il@ for release of secondary elece trons to the toroidial shaped hooded plate |05. The structure illustrated in Figs. 35 and 36 differs from the structure described in Figs. 30'32 by reason of the enlarged aperture |15 in plate IM. Greater sensitivity is obtained by enlarging the aperture in plate H0 as a large change in secondary emission is secured by a slight change in the deflection of the beam. The arrangement of the electrodes in tubes 35 and 30 and the circuits interconnecting said electrodes are similar to the arrangements shown in Figs. 30-32.

In Figs. 257-39, I have illustrated an electron beam tube 0f high sensitivity in which a fiat elecm tron beam of rectangular section normally passes directly through a rectangular aperture il? in secondary electron emission plate i i5 for zero input. A slight deflection of the beam produced by a small input between plates 1 8 with this construction will cause a relatively large portion of the beam to strike plate Il causing a correspondingly large secondary emission from it. This construction is illustrated because it provides greater sensitivity than the triangular opening construction shown in previous tubes. It will not. however, operate through as large a deflection of the beam. This greater sensitivity is caused by a large change in secondary emission produced` by a slight change in the deflection of the beam.

In Figs. 40, 41 and 42 I have shown a construction of Ytub-e in which a magnetic control system is employed for deilecting the beam. The

` 13 magnetic control system is a coil structure |29 of magnetic alloy having pole pieces i I8 and I I9 terminating in a magnetic gap |2| through which an electron beam from electron beam generator G of the type heretofore explained is propagated. The magnetic control system operates to control the displacement of the electron beam. The magnetic alloy core concentrates the magnetic eld to substantially the thickness of the electron beam irrespective of the size of the control wind'- ings at the gap where the magnetic'circuit passes through the beam as shown more clearly in Fig. 4l. The magnetic control system includes an in put winding |23 connected to input circuit terminals D and a regenerating winding |24 which connects to the anode system as shown.

With the construction of core |29 as shown, several coils can be vcaused to aiect the magnetic fieid and so better facilitate feedback and balancing arrangements with deflection beam tubes. In

this circuit alternating current signal energy is employed. The output transformer |25 is arranged so that the current produced in an additional secondary coil |26 can be fed back into the independent coil |24l from that through which the input current passes. Winding |24 is wound on the core |20 of the magnetic deflecting unit. By this means an entirely independent positive or negative feedback can be obt-ained. The positive feedback will give greater amplication than can be produced without the feedback, while the negative feedback Will produce stability of operation of the tube and circuit. Resistance |3| is provided in circuit between control winding |255 and secondary coil 26 to adjust the phase of the feedback to synchronize with the deflection of the beam. The output from the cathode sys tem 6|-62 and plate electrodes 75l-55 is supplied to primary winding |26 by transformer |25 by which aportion of the energy is transferred through winding |28 to the magnetic control winding |26. Secondary winding |21 leads to the output circuit designated at lil.

Fig. 43 shows a tube that is similar to the tube of Figs. 30-32 except that it allows the feedback feature to be accomplished for D. C. signals. The current in the output circuit is fed directly back through the second coil ififl of the magnetic deflecting unit through phase resistor i3 i. By using suitable connections and by the relative direction of the winding of the two coils itt-|22 on the core either positive or negative feedback, even on D. C. operation, is obtained. Very small D. C. voltages can be amplified with this arrangement and the higher sensitivity and stability of positive and negative feed back systems can be obtained. rhere is a decided advantage in this independence of feedback in these deflection amplifying tube Systems. This circuit is adapted to thermo'- couple and thermopile voltage ampication as it is a voltage sensitive D. C. amplier.

The shield |29 around the tube I is of high permeability material so that external electric and magnetic iields will not disturb the operation of the tube. As both shield |29 and core 26 are of high permeability material and the core |29 is entirely inside and away from the shield, the magnetic eld will remain in the core |28 and thereby go through the electron beam rather than into the shield. The shield |29 and core |20 are both grounded as shown. All other forms of tubes shown in the several gures can be shielded similarly where high sensitivity is required and protection against external elds is needed. Y

En Fig. '44 I have shown the arrangement of the tube system of Fig. 43 with an additional direct current amplifier of the conventional type. The direct 'current amplifier is designated as having parts similar to the parts represented in Fig. 22 with the grid cathode circuit connected to the resistance 59 in the output circuit of the anode system of the deflection tube. A direct current power supply for the power supply circuits of tube i3 is connected at |30.

The output current of this amplier is fed back into the second coil |24 on the magnetic defiection core |29 through phase adjusting resistor 13|. The operation of the tube of Fig. 44, is similar to that shown in Fig. 43, and when negative feedback is used, even greater stability is accomplished than with that of circuit in Fig. 43. Fig. 44 is not restricted to the application of the invention to one amplifier stage but any number of stages of ampliers and the current in the last stage is fed back into the second coil |24 of the magnetic core. The larger the ampilcation, the greater will be the stability. Also if it is positive feed back, this arrangement will give even greater amplification. The tube of Fig. 44 employs the principle of controlled emission in the output part of the tube in which feedback is employed.

The subject matter of Figs. 23 and 24 herein is now set forth in my copending divisional application Serial No. 551,513, Electron tube, filed August 28, 1944, now U. S. Patent 2,458,539, issued January 11, 1949; the subject matter of Figs. 30-32 and 35 and 36 herein is set forth in my copending divisional application Serial No. 551,- 514, Electron tube, led August 28, 1944; the subject matter of Figs. 40-41 herein is now set forth in my copending divisional application Serial No. 551,689, Electron tube, filed August 29, 1944, now U. S. Patent 2,456,654 issued December 21, 1948.

While I have described my invention in certain preferred embodiments, I realize that modications may be made in the arrangement and method employed and I desire that it be understood that no limitations upon my invention are intended other than may be imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. An electron tube system comprising an evacuated vessel, an electron discharge device for propagating an electron beam through said vessel, a. pair of angularly related spacially disposed flat plane-like electrodes mounted on 0pposite sides of a longitudinal axis within said vessel for controlling the angular sweep of the electron beam, a plate system comprising a multiplicity of coplanar sections, a plate of insu lation material mounted in spacial relation to the rear of said plate system, a glass press in the end of said tube, wire members individual to each of said plate sections extending from said glass press into said tube and through said plate -of insulation material and spaced thereby, said wire members being connected with said plate sections for supporting said sections in coacting relation in the path of the sweep of the electron beam, two of said coplanar sections varying in linear dimension from a maximum to a minimum at opposite ends of the limits of sweep of the electron beam and having electron emitting coatings thereon for emitting secondary electrons under action of said electron beam, and means for maintaining others of said sections at potentials for receiving the secondary electrons liberated by the aforesaid sections,

2. An electron tube system comprising an evacuated vessel, an electron discharge device for propagating an electron beam within said vessel, a pair of angularly related spacially mounted iiat plate-like electrodes for controlling the angular sweep of the electron beam, a plate system comprising a multiplicity of substantially coplanar sections mounted in edge to edge, spacial relation, a plate of insulation material mounted in a plane oset from the rear of the plane of said coplanar sections and electrically connecting and supporting wires extending through said plate of insulation material and attached to the respective coplanar sections of said plate system for maintaining said sections substantially normal to an axis through said electron discharge device in the path of the sweep of the electronbeam, certain of said sections having electron emitting coatings thereon for emitting secondary electrons under action of said electron beam and means for maintaining others of said sections at potentials for receiving the secondary electrons liberated by the aforesaid sections.

3. An electron tube system comprising an evacuated vessel, an electron discharge device for propagating an electron beam within said vessel, a pair of angularly related spacially mounted flat plate-like electrodes for controlling the angular sweep of the electron beam, a glass press in the end of said tube, a multiplicity of wire members projecting from said press interiorly oi said tube, :a plate of insulation material forming spacing and supporting means for said wire members, a plate system comprising a multiplicity of plate sections supported by the wire members extending through said plate of insulation material in the path of the sweep of the electron beam, said sections being arranged in pairs, the sections of one pair each being substantially coplanar and triangular in shape with the hypotenuse thereof extending diagonally across the central axis of the sweep-path of said electron beam and the other pair of sections being spacially related to the aforesaid pair of sections, said rst mentioned substantially coplanar pair of sections having electron emitting coatings thereon for emitting secondary electrons under the action of the electron beam and means for maintaining said second mentioned pair of sections at potentials to receive the secondary electrons liberated by said rst mentioned pair of coplanar sections.

4. An electron tube system comprising an evacuated vessel, an electron discharge device for propagating an electron beam within said vessel, a pair of angularly related spacially mounted flat plate-like electrodes for controlling the angular sweep of the electron beam, a glass press in the end of said tube, a multiplicity of wire members projecting from said press interiorly of said tube, a mica sheet extending in a plane substantially normal to said wire members, a plate system comprising a multiplicity of plate sections supported by the wire members extending through said mica sheet in the path of the sweep of the electron beam, said plate sections being arranged in pairs, the sectionsv of one pair being substantially coplanar and triangular in shape with the hypotenuse thereof extending diagonally across the central axis of the sweep-path of said electron beam, and the other pair of sections being spacially related to the aforesaid pair of sections, said first mentioned pair of coplanar sections having electron emitting coatings for emitting secondary electrons under the action of the electron beam, and means for maintaining said second mentioned pair of sections at potentials to receive the secondary electrons liberated by said first mentioned pair of coplanar sections.

5. An electron tube system comprising an evacuated vessel, an electron discharge device for propagating an electron beam within said vessel, a pair of angularly related spacially mounted flat plate-like electrodes for controlling the angular sweep of the electron beam, a plate system comprising a multiplicity of substantially coplanar sections mounted in edge to edge, spacial relation, a substantial circular sheet of insulation material having a diameter less than the shortest dimension of said plate system and mounted in a plane offset from the rear of the plane of said coplanar sections, and electrically connecting and supporting wires extending through said substantial circular sheet of insulation material and attached to the respective coplanar sections of said plate system for maintaining said sections substantially normal to an axis through said electron discharge device in the path of the sweep of the electron beam, certain of said sections having electron emitting coatings thereon for emitting secondary electrons under action of said electron beam and means for maintaining others of said sections at potentials for receiving the secondary electrons liberated by the aforesaid sections.

6. An electron tube system comprising an evacuated vessel, an electron discharge device for propagating an electron beam within said vessel, a pair of angularly related spacially mounted iiat plate-like electrodes for controlling the angular sweep of the electron beam, a plate system comprising a multiplicity of substantially coplanar sections mounted in edge to edge, spacial relation, one pair of said sections being substantially triangular in shape and another pair of said sections being substantially rectangular in shape with said rectangularly shaped sections bordering said triangularly shaped sections, a plate of insulation material having dimensions within the limits of the dimensions of said triangularly shaped plates and offset in a plane in the rear of said sections and electrically connecting and supporting wires extending through said plate of insulation material and attached to the respective coplanar sections of said plate system for maintaining said sections substantially normal to an axis through said electron discharge device in the path of the sweep of the electron beam, certain of said sections having electron emitting coatings thereon for emitting secondary electrons under action of said electron beam and means for maintaining others of said sections at potentials for receiving the secondary electrons liberated by the aforesaid sections.

WALTER SOILER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,909,051 Freeman et al May 16, 1933 1,920,863 Hopkin, Jr Aug. 1, 1933 2,096,653 Soller Oct. 19, 1937 2,103,507 Zworykin Dec. 28, 1937 (Other references on following page) 

